Semisolid processes

Since the discovery of semi-solid metal processing technology in 1971, semi-solid metal forming process has evolved via a number of processing routes. Due to its low cost, rapid process, and low energy consumption, semi-solid processing (SSP) of alloys including Al, Mg, and their composites, has been seen as a competitive approach to making complicated components with exceptional performance. Using SSP methods, substantial advancement has been made in the fundamentals relating to the microstructure and functionality of the fabricated components during the past few years. The three main processing routes are: Thixo-processing, Rheo-processing and Thixomolding. This chapter aims to provide the reader with an overview of the multitude of semi-solid processes that have evolved over the past four decades.